Change Your Ways - Autumn

Change Your Ways - Autumn

I recently scored the Winter version of 'Change Your Ways', a song I wrote back in 2000 which emphasizes one of the most important doctrines in the Bible, and one that goes fully hand-in-hand with the gospel of Christ… the all important doctrine of repentance. Without true repentance there's not a single one of us who can turn to God and follow His ways. When sending His Messiah, God first paved the way by sending a prophet whom He referred to as "the greatest of all prophets" who's main message was for us to "repent and change our ways and get ready for His Christ".

Change Your Ways could have been the piece which begins the Omega, but it is concreted-in as the final piece of the Alpha.

Though I wrote both melody and lyrics almost twelve years ago, when scoring the Autumn version recently, I understood that something would be different about this arrangement. To my amazement a new counter-melody came which changes the song completely! The counter melody runs throughout this Autumn arrangement and is brought to the foreground in the second verse/chorus. If you are familiar with the original version, and with the Winter version, you will be quite surprised by what happens with this Autumn strings/symphonic rendition. It never ceases to amaze me when God's spirit works in incredible, unexpected ways!

Activism

When social activism/political activism is not based on God's established laws of morality, ethics, and virtue, though it might bring about some good, it will naturally bring about some bad as well. If the activism contains far greater ungodly principles, it will also bring about far more negative results than positive.

Hello, Jerry Springer

It's bewildering that some people don't strive to be high class. It's as if low class is good enough for them. They have the means... the social influences, the finances, the education, and the opportunities, and yet an almost conscience decision seems to be made to aim for the lowest, the trashiest, and the poorest taste possible. And all the while giving the impression they are oblivious that their sights are set so low.

Who Do You Like?

Some people we really, really like. We like everything about them. Most people we like... somewhat. Still other people we like in spite of the things which irritate us. There are a few people we try to like but we don't always succeed. Then there are those folks we just can't like, no matter what. Finally, there's the 'good riddance' folks. We would just as soon they be locked away and out of sight/out of mind. Forget about liking them! -((Hey, did I tell you that I like you?))-

The Rise of Ants

I've been around long enough to know that nobody stays on top of the hill for very long. I've seen companies far bigger than either Apple or Sony fall. Here's a wake-up call for you... tomorrow, neither Sony, Apple or Microsoft could even be around anymore. Just accept that fact. Tomorrow's giant could easily be that little no-name company that's churning out junk sold at flea markets. You never can tell. The death, demise, or shrinkage of giants has happened so often in my lifetime that I've grown to accept it. The rise of ants has also happened. Twelve years ago if anyone had told you that Apple would have a bigger year than Microsoft you would have thought them a fool. Thirty years ago you wouldn't have expected either of them to be doing as well as Sony.

Tares

I was just reading about the tares sown among the wheat... the implications are incredible! It also makes sense of so many things and sheds light on why things are, and why they aren't better than they could be. The sneaky thing about the tares is that most people standing outside of the field can mainly see the tares and not the wheat, and yet they believe the tares to be the wheat! They also aren't able to comprehend that if they were in that field, they too would be that tare which they so highly criticize.

Review

Don't you just hate reading online product reviews that receive lots of five stars... alongside tons of one star reviews too! I mean, what's this all about? The product can't be both a oner and a fiver at the same time. Either it's good, or it's bad, but it really can't be both. It's enough to cause you to lose faith in the whole consumer review process. It was probably just as valid to listen to my opinionated old grandad say, "Son, this here's a good one. That one there's a piece of junk."

How do you Spell Philosophy?

Philosophical quotations often sound far deeper and more meaningful than what they actually are. You can quote me on this. -(( We can make almost any silly thought come across as important by phrasing it in the form of a quotable statement. ))-

'One Way Traffic'

I've noticed that web forums are a place where people have a lot to say but have little desire to listen and learn.

Meetings

Though we are told how important meetings are, they are actually that time where we sit there thinking, "Boy! I've got a lot of work to do and this thing's way too long! He's going over the same old unimportant stuff which is keeping me from getting back to the really important things that must get done! Get this thing over with... please!!!"

The Speck

Too many folks are great at looking the other way when it hits close to home but are quick to point a finger when it's the actions of someone that doesn't matter to them.

Editing

Though I'm an outspoken advocate for editing and feel most things are better when edited down, another valid view is that which is taken when studying ancient writings. Scribes had to function in place of a printing press (since none existed) and over the course of time, changes, editorial decisions, and errors would be added to the original text. Our standard procedure when studying ancient manuscripts is to go back as far as possible... the closer we get to the original, the more accurate it is perceived to be.

Our Gate

Jesus' teachings are quite out of sync with modern popular thought.
The vast multitudes should really hope that He is quite wrong about the information He conveyed to us.

"Enter by the narrow gate; 
for wide is the gate and 
broad is the way that 
leads to destruction, 
and there are many who go in by it. 
Narrow is the gate 
and difficult is the way 
which leads to life, 
and there are few who find it."
— Matthew 7:13

Value

Some things, no matter how worthless you think they are, has value to someone.

Trapped

Speed traps are reminders to otherwise law-abiding citizens that they too are lawbreakers on occasion.
Unfamiliar laws bring this point home even further on the day you learn of some unknown law that you've been routinely breaking for years.

Believe

Is there ever a point that reasoning and logic stop and faith and trust have to take over? The truth is that many varied areas of our life are fueled with a supplement of faith and trust in order that we are able to get out of bed and function for the remainder of the day. But that said, each one of us do have those certain areas that we just don't have enough faith to believe in something. I know there's a few personal areas that I say, "I just don't have enough faith, and logic just doesn't supply enough facts for me to believe in (whatever)." Those are the areas that my "test paper" has a big red 'F' marked at the top.
(((Sometimes an F is not all that bad... as long as it's not of life-or-death importance... and when it boils down to 'who's grading that paper' and do I really care whether they give an A or an F. And, is the F actually an A and the A in reality an F when put into their proper light?)))

Comprehend?

Don't Assume the Unassuming

It sure would be nice if more people would learn that 'unassuming' is really a cherished way to be. It's so much more positive and uplifting than it's opposite extreme. Unassuming people don't always make history but their contribution far outweigh the negatives that so many 'history makers' have imposed on us.

Art

Sharp and detailed or fuzzy and representative?

Both are valid. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Both make their own contributions in their own way.
You can reject one in favor of the other, but please remember...
Both have their time and place to be most effective!

Know Who to Choose

Insightful wisdom knows when a person who you don't particularly like has the right combination of abilities and traits to do the best possible job. It also knows when the person who you like and admire is not the right one to get the job done effectively.

Argumentative

The arsenal of an argumentative spirit is: inflated ego, war-faring battle attack, showing one's dominance, lack of respect, need to win, and intolerance.
The fruit is: strife, dissension, separation, belittlement, fatigue, and many other resulting casualties.

--- All because of an improper need to be proven right in one's opinion... at any cost!

((Being referred to as argumentative is never a compliment.))

The Prophets Spoke Tonight - Winter

The Prophets Spoke Tonight - Winter

The 'Prophets Spoke Tonight' doesn't focus on just one but collectively lumps the many Hebrew prophets all together as a group. By doing so, the song covers many centuries of prophetic proclamations, our response to the message, and our dealings with the messenger. Do we listen to their warnings and proclamations or do we instead enjoy the flattery of the false prophets? The song also sings testimony to God's patience and persistence in dealing with, and allowing us the opportunity to repent and return to Him. And no, it's not pretty... but it does show humanity in our true light and it sheds light on why we need the provision God made.

Sharing

It's better to get ripped-off by a con-man than to hold on to everything you have because you're too stingy to share or give.

Get Along

There's only one easy way to get along with people, and that is: just don't
be around them!
All other ways require work and effort.

Too Many of Me

Here's a good reason why I don't sign my artwork using my name...

According to the census numbers, there are 537 Philip White's in the United States. There are another 873 who use the alternate spelling of Phillip. This makes a total of 1410 who have the same name.

A Google search shows there are multitudes of Philip White artists and musicians! But when I did a search for artists that go by pdw (which is how I sign my art) I was the only one that showed-up.

I guess my next search should be to find out how many are serving prison time for dastardly deeds. LOL

Down Through the Ages - Autumn

Down Through the Ages - Autumn

I finished scoring both arrangements of "Down Through the Ages" the end of March. This Autumn version contains plucked strings whereas the Winter version emphasizes guitar picking.

Fairness

Some things that might seem right and equal on the surface are not always what they seem.
Take this statement for example: "I'll do the cooking, you do the cleaning up."
This sounds fair. What could possibly be wrong with that?

Well, this could be said by a person who absolutely loves to cook to someone who has no love for doing dishes. And to make it even worse, the person doing the cooking has a tendency to be far messier than what the job entails. They tend to strew items in places they should not go.

So, when you hear something that sounds fair and apparently makes sense, look into things a little deeper and you might find a whole different story lurks below the surface.

God's Promises

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  (James 1:12)

KEY WORDS...
Blessed 
perseveres 
trial 
approved 
receive 
"crown of life" 
promised 
"those who love Him"

Sheep and Wolves

Bewildering when an ungodly person does a good deed, and disappointing when a Christian does an act of selfishness. Both contrasting extremes go against the very nature and potential of their faith and lifestyle.

Handing On a Legacy - Winter

Handing On a Legacy - Winter

The Winter arrangement of "Handing On a Legacy" has now been posted to Soundcloud.

Legacy #2

If you think the legacy you leave behind will be at your job or vocation, after just one generation you are that "who is this person" in the picture on the office wall.

Legacy

Famous people are remembered for their public accomplishments... all the rest of us, if we're remembered for a couple generations or so, are remembered for our parenting and/or family legacy.

What We Really Deserve

Entitlement can be such a nasty trait.
It showcases and brings out the very worst in human nature. It knows no socio-economic boundaries… the wealthy, the poor, and everyone in-between can be guilty of demonstrating an attitude of entitlement. It rears it's ugly head in those who have been handed life on a silver platter by their parents or ancestors, but it also is equally offensive when displayed by those who's handouts have come from the government or other institutions.

Do you feel entitled? If so, enjoy the air you breathe, 'cause that's about all you might really be entitled to. Maybe.

500 Greatest Songs of All Time

Rolling Stone magazine has a list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Their list would be an insult to anyone who listened and enjoyed music prior to the past fifty years.
I got so bored with their list that I went ahead and skipped to the top ten. Guess what? There's only a couple in the top ten that I even like, much less would place in the top ten.

I guess their definition of "all time" is different than anyone who considers all time to be from the beginning of recorded history and not from the beginning of the rock and roll era.

I knew there had to be a reason why I was never much of a Rolling Stone magazine fan.

Most Problems have a Temporary Solution

My dilemma.
My car was so incredibly full with furniture, groceries, and other stuff I could barely squeeze into the driver's seat, much less change gears. The gear shift could not be pulled back no matter how hard I tried.
My solution.
I drove the six miles home by using 1st, 3rd, and 5th (the three forward gears). 2nd, 4th, and reverse were not an option.
I made it home, no problem.

Personal Advice to iPhone & iPad Owners…

In order to get the most out of your iPhone or iPad, you really have to get familiar with, and learn all about the iTunes App Store. It is only by adding pertinent apps that your device fully comes alive and becomes the fun tool which you had hoped it would be!

Though it's true that Apple has included several excellent apps with your device, when you consider there's over 500,000 other apps available, the iPhone/iPad only reaches it's full potential when other great apps are added to it!

The iTunes app store allows you to search for various types of apps in whatever category you might be interested in. You can read a description of it and evaluate whether the app's price is worth it. Most apps in the store are priced far lower than what you are accustomed to paying for computer apps. It's rare to find apps priced over $10… most are priced below $5, and many, many are completely FREE!

Here's the best advice I can give to you: Since it's hard to keep up with all the many apps added to the store on a daily basis, and it's also difficult to keep up with the apps which go on sale for a day or two, you need to get one of the 'Daily app alerts' apps from the store. It will tell you on a daily basis about:
1) The new apps added to the store on that day.
2) Apps which are on sale (a $5 app might now be $1, but will eventually go back up, so get it while it's priced low).
3) Apps that normally have a price, but for that day are offered FREE!

My favorite app alert is called 'AppZapp'. You can configure tons of information about what you're looking for (you might only want to be notified about game apps but not office apps, etc). By using AppZapp, I've added hundreds of apps to my iPad and have not spent much money at all. I just had to be patient and wait for that $12 app to go on sale for $2 or so.

Now go explore the app market and find out what is out there.
___________

Hint: a couple of my Facebook specific iPad apps are so excellent, they put Facebook's own website to shame. They've spoiled me to the point that when I view Facebook on a regular computer, it's quite disappointing.

a Hardened Heart

It's quite easy to comprehend when someone despicable has hardened their heart. Surely, the murderer, the pedophile, the deceitful liar, the cheating spouse, the abuser, the greedy, and society's numerous villains have hardened their hearts against what is good and true.


But, what about someone you love, respect, and admire? What about your favorite professor who has expanded your vision and filled your head with knowledge, insight, facts, and figures? The teacher who not only taught their subject with a depth and scholarly foundation, but who also reached out to help you see that many things your parents taught weren't right.


That person was also quite active in what they considered to be 'good causes'. They had several causes which they felt were making this world a better place. They considered themselves to be a do-gooder of sorts, and encouraged you to be one also… as long as you took-up-arms for what they considered to be good and upstanding. Heaven forbid you take strong stands for causes which they do not agree with. (Thesis have received an 'F' for such blasphemy.)


Oh yeah, they also helped you see the fallacy of your spiritual beliefs. They emphasized that all religions are wrong and are only for the simple, uneducated, and foolish… not for the intelligent and educated. All these religions are wrong… especially any that proclaim the name of Christ! Jesus-centered beliefs are the worst of them all.


Did I mention that the great and highly-educated professor shares something in common with all the folks mentioned in the first paragraph? They too are guilty of hardening their heart. The results of a hardened heart reaches many areas of life, not just the dark areas which you personally feel are bad and harmful.


Jesus didn't mince any words about this. Numerous verses reflect His opinion about anyone who causes someone not to believe in Him. He refers to them as "wolves, deceivers, venomous, and false teachers". He places them in the same category as the wicked who do all the harmful practices mentioned above.


We are told to 'guard our heart', not to harden it.

Tribulation

To all who take comfort in the hope you will miss the Lord’s wrath in the days of tribulation…

Don’t get too smug, for in the days leading up to that point, man’s persecution against the church will rapidly increase. It’s true that God’s wrath won’t hit yet, but life will be anything but a picnic for God’s people.

Too many believers are taking comfort where comfort should not be. Our hope is completely in the Lord… no matter how bad things get. Let your faith increase and the gospel spread, but don’t expect a life free of hardship and persecution. That was never one of Jesus’ promises.

Erroneous Beliefs

The good thing about New Age beliefs is: they come and go.

The bad thing is: they come and go.

A good well-rounded theological principle

If you can't find it in scripture, both clearly and emphatically, then don't adhere to it as a definite.

-((When hearing someone's spiritual opinion, have them show you the place (or places) it can be found in scripture, and if they can, make sure they are keeping it in correct context.))-

Too much Lent

It's interesting that a regal branch of the western church quickly adopted, altered, and adhered to ceremonies, practices, and traditions which Jesus had so strongly rebuked the established religion of His day for holding.

'Them thar outward thangs don't mean a thang if yer heart ain't ware it's sposed to be!"

Musical Influences...

The music of the 60s was the music of my youth.
- The music of the 70s was the music of my early adulthood.
The music of the 80s was the music I adopted as my own.
- The music of the early 90s I enjoyed, but was disappointed by the late 90s.
The music from 2000-on I occasionally enjoy, but most often am quite disappointed with.

I do love some of the musical gems prior to the 60s (classical, film, era, big band, symphonic, folk, etc).

Hollywood Vice #141

Taking the rare, odd and unusual and presenting it in such a way that it not only becomes accepted, but many believe it to be the norm.

Miracle on the Damascus Road - Winter

Miracle on the Damascus Road - Winter

Miracles don't just happen every day,
On Damascus road nor on any other.
If we just take the time to pray, foes become our brother.

It doesn't matter where you have gone.
Or dreamin' of what might have been.
Stumbling as we rush into strife. On this road of life.

'Miracle on the Damascus Road' is #27 within the Alpha & Omega Suite's 35 parts.

Compromise

Here's a little trick about compromise... that which is false and untrue is sure to seek compromise far sooner than that which is true and accurate. This has everything to do with the nature of truth and the nature of lies.

Compromise allows a much greater advantage to the false since it has far less to lose by compromising. Additionally, closely bonded with untruth is the area of deceit, so the false always knows that if it can get it's foot in the door through compromise, it will be in position to later assert and gain control.

Truth really has no reason to compromise with that which is not true. By compromising, truth becomes watered-down to the point that it's foundation is destined to eventually collapse.

This simple principle can be observed throughout every area of our life. That is why it's vitally important to know and understand truth.

Egypt

I was admiring the spelling of the word 'Egypt', sort of in awe at a word that begins with one vowel followed by four harmonious consonants! I have been there on two occasions but never gave any thought regarding the way the name is spelled.
A Google search revealed that historical Egyptian spellings are full of consonants... even containing words that harbor no vowels at all. This is quite different than our English words which heavily rely on vowels.

But before I jump to too many conclusions, just look at another famous Egyptian name: Cairo. In that case you've got a five letter word which contains three vowels, including an A and I together to create a long 'I' sound (unless we're referring to the town in Illinois).

--- I've blabbered on long enough, but I hope this comes in handy to anyone who feels stuck next time you're playing a spelling game!

Return of the Prodigal - Winter

Return of the Prodigal - Winter

In all honesty, this one caught me off guard.
When I composed it several years ago, I didn't fully understand it. Yes, I knew that it emphasized God's grace and redemption to all who go astray and are wayward. I fully understood the parable of the prodigal son returning to his father who greeted him with open arms... and how this perfectly illustrates our Father in heaven ready to accept us in our broken, repentant state.

What I didn't comprehend was what direction this song was supposed to take in order for the music to do justice to the strong lyrical message. Well I found out recently when contemplating and praying over the instrumental arrangement. Even I was surprised when the instruments brought out the beauty of the composition.

"Return of the Prodigal" is #28 in the Alpha & Omega Suite. This is the Winter variation from 'the Seasons'.


Wow! Even though I composed and arranged this, I'm surprised with the direction it went. ((TYJ!))

Art Museums

Honestly, have you ever noticed how many art museums are filled with so much really bad art?

-((Of course, this is only my low, humble opinion... but who says my opinion is worse than the buyers who are purchasing that junk to fill the gallery walls?))-

The Worst Song ever Written

It just goes to show how different we are in some ways.

Several months ago I saw a link to "the worst song ever written" and so out of curiosity I went to it and listened. And you know what? I loved it!

I also noticed that millions of people were absolutely wrong about the song. It was not the song that was bad... it was the studio production, recording, audio effects, and other factors which were not up to what they should have been.

There's comfort in being part of the large group, but there's occasionally truth to be found in taking a stand contrary to theirs.

Idols In The Mud - Autumn

Idols In The Mud - Autumn

______________________________

'Idols in the Mud' is dedicated to all the folks who either intentionally, or unintentionally, keep various idols in their life. Some of us stubbornly adhere to worshiping false gods; others have our idols in the form of belongings and financial security; others elevate media personalities. Either way, it is where our heart lies that prevents us from fellowshipping with the one authentic God.

'Idols in the Mud' is the brash proclamation of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Their audacity prompted the living God to reach out and give clear evidence of His power, truth, and justice.

Thunder and lightning are heard on the second chorus. This represents the consuming fire which triumphed over the false deities Ahab and Jezebel defiantly worshiped and touted.

"There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited." (1 Kings 21:25)

_______________________

My composition 'Idols in the Mud' is one of my most exotic pieces, and the only one where two overlapping melodies compliment one another throughout the verses.

Divorced and Fired

An employer trying to explain why a co-worker has been let go is much like parents trying to explain to their child why they are getting a divorce.

Release original raw files

I have decided to release the original ‘raw’ version of the Alpha & Omega Suite.

Those are the old recordings of just singing and guitar… no other accompaniment added.

I realize there’s an audience for raw and rugged music. Also, those are the versions which formed the basis for the more-polished orchestrations which followed.

The Apostles Theme-Autumn

The Apostles Theme-Autumn

Original composition...

"The Apostles Theme"

The prestigious and highly educated leaders observed the confidence of Peter and John. They fully understood that these were uneducated and untrained men and yet their boldness, spiritual arguments, and authority were amazing and transcended their socioeconomic background!

This is the Autumn variation of the Apostles Theme, which I composed in 2007 and just recently scored.

National Parks

Top five national parks for generating area revenue...

(1) Great Smoky Mountains: $818 million
(2) Grand Canyon: $415 million
(3) Yosemite: $354 million
(4) Yellowstone: $334 million
(5) Blue Ridge Parkway: $299 million

We live in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's interesting that park generates almost double the tourism dollars as the second-place national park. It's even more interesting when considering the Smokies do not charge any admission for park visitation when almost every other national park does charge for entrance!

Gutter

"Get your mind out of the gutter."

Remember when we used to hear this saying?
Now when it's more applicable than ever, you don't hear it as often.
(And those poor old gutters seem to be overflowing.)

Inconsiderate

If you can feel the vibrations of the music blaring from the car next to you, it's much like being attacked in warfare.

File this under: "No Concern for Other People"

Know Your Tool

Some of the worst pictures are taken by the best cameras.
Why?
Because a tool is only as good as the time taken to use it well.

Eyes Wide Open - Winter

Eyes Wide Open - Winter

"Eyes Wide Open" is the novelty song from the Alpha & Omega Suite. It is written in the style of the popular music from the 1910s when audio recording was in it's infancy. This is the song of the skeptic. It is for those who are confused in their belief, but are sincerely looking for honest and truthful answers to life's questions.

God does not hold it against us when we are spiritually cynical or skeptical… as long as our attitude does not blind us from recognizing the truth when it is presented and made known to us. We are to be like the apostle Paul when he was confronted by the truth… we are to throw-away our disbelief and incorrect ideas and move ahead to the road He desires us to be on!

This is the Winter composition (piano, and much flute and panpipes as well)!

The Trial of Job Ballad - Winter

The Trial of Job Ballad - Winter

Accusations are a part of life which we've all experienced and stressed over. They happen when we're guilty and deserve punishment but they also happen when we're innocent and are being wrongfully accused. In the book of Job we are introduced to a man whom was known as the "most righteous man in all the earth", yet this man is falsely accused both by his friends and neighbors and within the heavenly realms! As a direct result of these accusations, he suffers physically, emotionally and is burdened with unimaginable distress. If there was ever a man who appears to have reason to question God's goodness, it is this man of Job!

This is the Winter version of Job's Ballad.

Friday the 13th

Even on the 13th, we can still sing with Rebecca Black's positive attitude, "It's Friday, Friday! (Yesterday was Thursday and tomorrow is Saturday)" LOL

Drink, but Don't Smoke

Once again our hypocrisy knows no bounds.

On the cruise ship we sailed on, smoking was kept to small restrictive areas.
Drunkenness was encouraged and given free reign to every corner of the ship. The Cruiseline made little to no income from cigarette sales but were literally getting rich off the sale of alcohol.
I'm sure many of those drunken, stumbling party-goers take much pride in the fact they do not smoke. Yeah, sure.